Ferne Animal Sanctuary Unite Two Unwanted Depressed Dogs and an Animal Lover At a Loss

Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Wambrook, near Chard, Somerset, has a happy ending to share. Two of its former residents, who were at the Sanctuary for 20 months, for Lola and Sherman - two inseparable dogs who were suffering from depression due to being unable to find a permanent home, have finally been adopted. Their new owner, Mrs Julie Nield, from PJ’s Social Club in Marine Crescent, told Ferne her emotional story of why she has taken Lola and Sherman into their home and the improvement she has already seen. “It’s only a dog! That is what people say who have never experienced the love of owning a dog. My beautiful Taz, a GSD cross, wasn’t just a dog; he was my friend that I spent my life with. We walked together, swam together in the sea, he was there when I laughed – he was there when I cried. He was my best friend! And he died. Taz collapsed on the beach, his favourite place in the world, with a massive internal bleed. He was put to sleep whilst we cradled him in our arms. The following morning I was a mess: I had all this love to give and no one to give it to. I remembered reading an article in the local paper the previous week about Ferne Animal Sanctuary appealing for someone to adopt two dogs who had been in the kennels for so long they were starting to show signs of depression. I telephoned the sanctuary fully expecting the dogs to be in their forever homes already. I spoke to Tara Nirula who explained there had been a lot of interest but people were loathe to adopt two big dogs who, to put it nicely, didn’t like the company of other dogs! A couple of hours later I was introduced to Sherman and Lola. I cannot explain why or how, but I knew they needed me as much as I needed them. This was my first visit to Ferne Animal Sanctuary and I cannot express enough how wonderful and amazing all the staff are. The love and care they show to the animals is unbelievable. After only one session with Dog Training and Behaviourist Peter Mounsey, based in Exeter, we are seeing a huge improvement in the rehabilitation of Sherman and Lola in the company of other dogs. They are significantly calmer, which in turn has vastly improved my confidence when exercising them. Now, 14 days on, I have two best friends! I will always have a place in my heart for Taz, and it sounds crazy, but I know he would approve because he understood what love was all about.” Tara Nirula, Acting Head of Animal Care said: “Everyone at Ferne Animal Sanctuary are delighted that Lola and Sherman have finally found a new home after being at the Sanctuary for so long. “Although we really miss them, this has made our year and we haven’t stopped smiling since they left! We are thrilled that their new owners are such lovely people who can give them so much love and attention. “We would like to thank everyone who has given their support in helping us find these dogs a new home and in particular, to the public for their kind messages of support and encouragement.” Ferne Animal Sanctuary launched their “New Digs for Dogs” £1m project for 2014/15 in March 2014 to build a new enhanced kennel block, improved grooming and veterinary care room, information hub, social unit, offices, reception and purpose built rehoming centre at their site in Somerset. Fundraising packs for the appeal, details of how to donate and more information about all their events can be obtained by calling 01460 65214 or by visiting Ferne Animal Sanctuary